🌱 Wild Horse Saloon To Reopen + Senate Passes Child Sexual Abuse Bill

Hi there, Topeka! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny; breezy, cooler. High: 53 Low: 26.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 60 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. The new owner of Wild Horse Saloon has announced that she is planning to reopen the Topeka bar by May 5. Julie Castaneda bought the bar last week; the location closed on Apr. 1 after serving the Capital City for 21 years, citing poor building maintenance. Castaneda said that she bought the bar to help preserve the city's nightlife and also provide a safe space for women. (WIBW)
2. The Kansas House unanimously voted 120-0 to pass Senate Bill 317 on Monday. SB 317 amends the current state laws regarding child sexual abuse cases by providing new protections to abuse survivors and extending the time that victims have to seek recovery of damages following abuse. The bill's final step before becoming law is approval by Governor Laura Kelly. (KSNT News)
3. The Topeka Police Department is looking for local man Travis L. Russell, 39, in relation to an investigation of multiple vehicle burglaries and a storage trailer theft. Russell was described by officials as a person of interest in the incident, which took place on Saturday, Apr. 1 at Hyatt Place. Anyone with information regarding the burglaries and theft or the location of Russell is encouraged to contact the police department at telltpd@topeka.org or the Shawnee Co. Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. (WIBW)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Wednesday, April 5

• Dance Fit Cardio At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (8:00 AM)
• Shades Of Greatness At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Spring Home Maintenance Class At Topeka Habitat for Humanity (5:30 PM)

Thursday, April 6

• Zoo Animals Live At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (4:00 PM)
• 3D Printing Workshop At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all house hunters! To help you in your search for a new place to call home, here's a roundup of real estate properties currently on the market in and around the Topeka area. (Topeka Patch)
• Bring a new furry family member home today! Check out these adorable pets waiting for adoption in and around the Topeka area. (Topeka Patch)
• The Ronald McDonald House will be hosting its 5th Annual Robert Lagree Memorial Sporting Clays on Saturday, Apr. 22. Click here to get your tickets and learn more about the event. (KSNT News)
• Fred the Preparedness Dog will be retiring on Jun. 30 after ten years of service with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Fred was the first dog to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and throughout his career, he attended almost 300 events around the U.S. (KSNT News)

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Featured events:

• Social Security Seminar at Lawrence Public Library (April 11)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.